Pennekamp Submarine Park Sanctuary For Sea Creatures

May 25, 1986

An underwater adventure at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is one filled with brightly hued tropical fish and other underwater creatures that scuba divers and snorkelers can watch but not touch.

The Key Largo marine sanctuary, which covers 178 nautical square miles, was the nation's first undersea park and is the only living coral formation along the North American coast.

The drive to protect the coral reef began when conservationists discovered that most of Florida's outer reefs were being destroyed by the sea- life novelty trade, which began during the late 1930s close on the heels of the early tourist boom.

The state opened the underwater preserve in 1963. The park was named for longtime Miami Herald editor, John Pennekamp, who was instrumental in acquiring and developing the park.

The developed portion offers a swimming area encircled by a jetty reef that protects swimmers from the ocean's surf.

It also includes a bathhouse, snorkeling and scuba facilities, a visitor center with natural history exhibits and a slide program, nature trails, guided walks, a marina and glass bottom boats, camping and picnicking facilities.

A 9-foot bronze replica of Italy's ''Christ of the Abyss'' statue was donated by the Underwater Society of America in 1964 to commemorate those who have died at sea.

''Christ of the Deep'' stands with his arms outstretched in about 33 feet of water near the Key Largo Dry Rocks, about 4 1/2 miles from shore.